Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Museum | 新文化運動紀念館

Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Museum  臺灣新文化運動紀念館 is located in the historic district of Dadaocheng 大稻埕 in Taipei, Taiwan. As Dadaocheng was a major trading port in the 19th Century, this is where goods such as traditional herbs, nuts, and dry fruits, were (and still are) sold today. Many people established their stores and houses right on what is known as Dihua Street 迪化街 today. The area is filled with Baroque-style architecture and red brick buildings. It's really beautiful to capture and, in a way, it feels like you're traveling back in time when walking through those streets. 

The building of what houses the Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Museum today was built during the Japanese Colonial era in 1933. It used to be the police headquarters for Taihoku Prefecture which included present-day Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, and Yilan. 

After the Japanese left, the building was taken over by the ROC government and used as a Police Department for Taipei City. It was in use until the 90's after which designated as a heritage site and then converted into a museum. It took a few years to restore the building and then it was officially opened up as a museum in 2018.

Inside the museum, there are still prison bars that were created during the Japanese era. The tour guide in the museum explained that the Japanese used high-quality wood to create the wooden bars, which is the reason why it is still able to last this long. 

There is fan-shaped detention room in which the prison guard at that time could stand by to watch all the prisoners. In Taiwan, this is the only fan-shaped detention room that remains. There is also a water dungeon that was used to torture prisoners.

There is a sense of solemnness as you look over at the prison chambers, but it also reminds us of how tough time used to be for those seeking freedom. The museum also honors Chiang Wei-Shui 蔣渭水, who was a doctor and an activist who fought for the Taiwan against Japanese Colonial Rule. He founded the Taiwanese Cultural Association and the Taiwanese People's Party.

The hallway and staircase leading up to the 2nd floor showcases an elegant style of staircase design that was commonly used during that time period. There is a sense of open space and grandeur, with just enough light entering the building. 

Even the round windows are a reflection of that time period. 

Taiwan still houses a number of Japanese architectural buildings and monuments. It's fascinating to see how well-preserved these are.

This museum is worth visiting at least once. You'll learn more about the history of Taiwan, Chiang Wei-Shui, and more. It's also great if you're into architectural photography.

To get to the Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Museum, take the MRT to Daqiaotou Station Exit 1 and walk for roughly 10 minutes and you'll get to your destination.

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